The Only Constant

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom speaks with Søren Friis Alexandersen, Principal Product Owner for Business Central at Microsoft. Their discussion discusses the evolving relationship between AI and enterprise software, uncovering both the practical demands and the philosophical questions posed by the AI shift. Key topics include:The mandate to integrate AI into product backlogs and the pressure it creates Striking a balance between human oversight and AI-driven automation The philosophical challenges of building trust in systems with "machines that have opinions" Why modern ERP systems must be flexible yet deterministic to meet diverse customer needs How the pursuit of productivity enables humanity to tackle greater complexities Do you want to know more about Søren Friis Alexandersen? Søren Friis Alexandersen is a renowned thought leader in the ERP space, known for his deep expertise and collaborative approach. He's 28 years into his career, and currently a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft in the Dynamics 365 Business Central engineering team, working on Microsoft's core business solution for SMBs, where his mandate is to rethink Finance through the lens of AI. With a distinguished standing in the community, Søren Friis Alexandersen is celebrated not only for his technical acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to openness and continuous learning, always bringing in the human factor into technology. Søren Friis Alexandersen is a strategist at heart, and his leadership is characterized by his ability to bridge the gap between complex technological concepts and practical, human-centered applications. As a lifelong learner, Søren Friis Alexandersen continuously seeks new knowledge and perspectives, fostering a culture of growth and adaptability within his professional circles. He shares the broadly held view that technology can and should improve human lives through increased productivity, though he thinks a lot about what we will do with the productivity gain long term, and how we ensure AI in particular is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Christian Bech Nørhave from the Danish Chamber of Commerce (Dansk Erhverv), engaging in a deep discussion that spans the challenges and opportunities of generative AI in enterprises:Why most Danish companies are still unprepared for generative AI, despite its "iPhone moment" in 2022. The pitfalls of treating AI as a "magic button" rather than a transformative tool. How Danish enterprises leverage structured data systems but often miss the mark on AI-enabled innovation. The balance between automation and maintaining human connection, especially in customer support and workplace dynamics. The societal implications of AI, from educational reforms to regulatory complexities within the EU. Do you want to know more about Christian Bech Nørhave? Christian Bech Nørhave is a prominent figure in the Danish business and technology sector, currently serving as Chief Consultant for AI at The Danish Chamber of Commerce, where he focuses on advising 19.000 companies on AI, and the Danish Government. With nearly two decades of experience in digitalization consulting, he has established himself as an expert in the field, particularly in artificial intelligence. Often referred to as an AI Evangelist and Futurist, Christian Bech Nørhave has dedicated the last 3.5 years exclusively to AI, providing valuable insights to businesses of all sizes. In addition to his consulting work, Christian Bech Nørhave is a sought-after speaker at industry events like the Digital Tech Summit and serves on advisory boards for various companies. His extensive background in digital transformation, combined with his passion for future technologies, positions him as a leading voice in Denmark’s digital landscape.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom engages in a deep conversation with Kasper Junge, the lead AI engineer at Visma Dinero, an accounting software company, exploring how generative AI is reshaping financial operations. Highlights of their discussion include:The unexpected connection between language and accounting, tracing back to ancient Mesopotamia, where writing initially served administrative purposes. How generative AI can enhance the storytelling aspect of financial transactions by adding context to sparse information. The challenges and opportunities of using AI for automation, particularly in categorizing bank transactions and verifying accounting accuracy. A reflection on the limitations of AI as a 'language interface' and the future potential of language-driven systems in financial tech. Do you want to know more about Kasper Junge? Kasper Junge is the Lead AI Engineer at Dinero, where he leads Dinero's work with AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP), including generative language models. He is the co-founder and chairman of the Danish Data Science Community and is an enthusiastic advocate for AI technology, engaging both engineers and general audiences. He is known for his contributions to the AI community in Denmark, including co-hosting the "Verbos Podcast," for which he received the Data and AI Influencer DAIR Award in 2023.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom engages with Thore Dankert from Novo Holdings to dissect the intricate dance between AI and enterprise innovation. They discuss: How companies can navigate the vast potential of AI to define clear, strategic objectives instead of falling into the trap of "innovation theater." The need for a transformative shift in organizational structures to foster true innovation, and how current legacy frameworks might be stifling progress. Thore challenges the conventional trajectory of AI adoption in enterprises by advocating for a major "external pressure" to catalyze genuine change and disruption. Thore Dankert brings a fresh perspective on using AI not just as a tool, but as a strategic ally to redefine business objectives and operational success.    Do you want to know more about Thore Dankert? Thore Dankert is a prominent leader in digital transformation and data analytics, currently serving as the Head of Digital at Novo Holdings A/S since April 2024. In this role, he is responsible for spearheading the company's digital initiatives, enhancing its technological capabilities, and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. Prior to joining Novo Holdings, Dankert held the position of Senior Director of Data & Analytics at ATP, where he led efforts to harness advanced analytics and new technologies to improve customer experiences and operational efficiencies. Thore Dankert holds both a BSc and MSc from Aarhus University, along with a MSc in Business Development from Copenhagen Business School. He is recognized for his insights into leveraging data for strategic decision-making and has contributed to numerous conferences, sharing his expertise on the intersection of data science, philosophy and business strategy. Through his work, Dankert continues to play a vital role in advancing digital initiatives that drive growth and transformation in large organizations.

In this episode, Lasse Rindom speaks with Ben Torben-Nielsen, an AI expert with over 20 years in the field. Their insightful conversation covers a range of topics about AI strategies and real-world business applications:The debate over AI strategy—whether companies truly need one and the potential pitfalls of treating AI as a boardroom imperative The role and limitations of historical data, and when it supports growth versus when it’s "colored trash," emphasizing that not all data holds intrinsic value Industry-specific benefits of AI, such as enhancing speed and reducing costs, and how AI’s impact varies by business needs rather than hype cycles The complexity of explainability and AI bias, with Ben Torben-Nielsen challenging the necessity of explainable AI by drawing parallels to a doctor's trust in MRI results without knowing the underlying physics Do you want to know more about Ben Torben-Nielsen? With a career spanning over two decades in the AI industry, Ben Torben-Nielsen has dedicated his life to translating cutting-edge research into practical business solutions. His journey began in academia, where he led a small research group and earned a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience. This foundation, coupled with an Executive MBA, has enabled him to drive innovation at the intersection of technology and business. Throughout his career, as a contributor or as a leader, Ben Torben-Nielsen has developed AI-powered products, secured multiple patents, and authored over 40 peer-reviewed papers to the scientific community. A highlight of his professional journey includes shaping the AI strategy for one of Europe's largest companies. His mission revolves around the ethical application of AI and data, aiming to create solutions that not only optimize performance and decision-making but also generate meaningful employment opportunities. As a passionate advocate for AI's potential, Ben Torben-Nielsen continually strives to foster both business success and human-centric outcomes in this rapidly evolving field.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom welcomes Peter Gostev, an influential figure in the AI community, known for his candid and insightful take on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Their conversation explores the challenges and opportunities businesses face in navigating the AI hype while staying grounded in practical applications. Peter Gostev shares his strategies for cutting through the noise in AI news and how companies can effectively integrate AI advancements without getting overwhelmed by the rapid pace of innovation. Key highlights from their conversation include: How Peter Gostev builds and refines a "model of the world" to anticipate which AI developments will truly impact businesses and which are just noise The democratization of AI tools, and how this widespread availability drives both innovation and unnecessary hype The importance of finding adaptable use cases where AI can evolve, offering more value as models improve over time. Do you want to know more about Peter Gostev? Peter Gostev is an accomplished AI leader with a deep expertise in generative AI, currently serving as the Head of AI at Moonpig. In this role, he spearheads the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies, driving innovation and enhancing customer experiences. Before joining Moonpig, Peter Gostev was the AI Strategy Lead at NatWest Group, where he focused on leveraging generative AI to transform the financial services landscape. With a solid foundation in strategy and analytics, Peter Gostev has built a reputation as a forward-thinking influencer in the AI community. His career spans pivotal roles in financial services, including positions at Accenture, where he concentrated on digital strategy and growth for clients in the financial sector. Peter Gostev is also widely recognized for his contributions to the practical implementation of AI solutions and his rigorous benchmarking efforts, helping organizations understand the competitive landscape of AI models. His work is not only transforming businesses but also setting benchmarks in the AI industry, making him a thought leader and influencer in the ever-evolving field of artificial intelligence.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom sits down with Angela Wick, a renowned expert in business analysis, to explore how the role of business analysts is evolving in today's landscape of rapid AI-driven innovation. With technology advancing at breakneck speed, traditional methods of gathering requirements and managing processes are no longer sufficient. Instead, business analysts must focus on continuous analysis and strategic alignment to help organizations navigate this era of exponential change. Angela Wick shares her insights on how business analysts can serve as the critical link between business and technology, enabling smarter decisions that drive real value. Key points include:How business analysts must shift from traditional requirements gathering to continuous analysis to keep up with rapid technological change. The growing importance of aligning technology adoption with business strategy, ensuring experiments and AI-driven decisions add real value. Why managing data quality and breaking down silos is critical for companies to succeed in digital transformations and avoid costly missteps. As the conversation wraps up, Angela and Lasse emphasize the need for a balanced approach to AI and innovation. By combining human judgment with AI capabilities, business analysts can help ensure that technology enhances processes without losing sight of the bigger picture. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how business analysis is adapting to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing digital landscape. Want to know more about Angela Wick? Angela Wick is passionate about how Business Analysis skills and practices contribute the value delivered with AI implementations.  She is the co-author of the recently released book "Futureproof - Amplifying Agility with AI and Insightful Business Analysis". She has spent her 25+ year career helping organizations and teams enhance the value innovative technologies bring to their business and customers by using flexible yet deep analysis practices. Angela has had over 2+ Million take her courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and her BA-Cube Community, conferences around the globe, and 10 years at the University of Minnesota teaching business analysis.  She also has been a contributor and expert reviewer to many industry standards/publications about business analysis published by IIBA, and PMI. Angela strives to help others find the balance between agility and rigor in their business analysis practices.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom is joined by Rameshwar Balanagu, a seasoned enterprise architect and long-time member of the Forbes Technology Council. With extensive experience in both startups and large enterprises, Rameshwar Balanagu shares his insights on the evolving role of technology in business and the challenges that come with it. Their discussion covers:The balance between harnessing AI for innovation and the risks it brings, particularly in large-scale enterprise environments. The critical need for a "multimodal IT strategy" to manage legacy systems while integrating new technologies. Why embracing change is essential for organizations looking to unlock creativity and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Do you want to know more about Rameshwar Balanagu? Rameshwar Balanagu brings a blend of Enterprise and Startup experience and believes in the concept of Elephants Can Dance. Although the phrase was popularized across business culture by IBM, he has taken on that role many times throughout his career, helping elephant-headed corporations turn on a dime with his abilities to carry them forward in time and respond to seismic changes in business, finance, culture, and strategies. He is a growth-focused, seasoned technology executive with impactful leadership in Fortune 1000 companies; a lifelong learner with a passion for using Data and AI to advise and mentor startups, specializing in driving innovation, building high-performing teams, and delivering transformative results for leveraging technology for strategic business goals and sustainable empowerment. Rameshwar Balanagu has been nominated as one of the top 100 Technologists for Oncon2024 and won the SAP Innovation Award for 2023. He was a keynote speaker at various international conferences and has recently published "Principles of AI Governance and Risk Management" in partnership with James Sayles, a veteran in GRC. His mantra: there is no AI without IA (Information Architecture = People + Business + Data + Applications + Technology + Security + Sustainability).

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom engages with Pedro Berrocoso, a seasoned expert in procurement and AI, to explore how technology is transforming the procurement landscape. Their conversation covers the practical applications of AI in procurement, addressing common pain points, and discussing how AI can bring true value to businesses. They emphasize the need to strike a balance between automation and human insight, particularly in decision-making processes.Key highlights include: AI’s role in automating repetitive tasks, such as spend analytics and supplier negotiations, allowing procurement teams to focus on strategic, high-value decision-making. The potential of AI to identify hidden contract risks, like unnoticed clauses, enhancing contract management. Challenges companies face with poor data quality and outdated processes that hinder effective AI implementation. The importance of deploying AI where it truly adds value, avoiding its use as a response to market hype. Do you want to know more about Pedro Berrocoso: Pedro is an independent Digital Procurement & Process Automation Advisor, dedicated to helping companies leverage emerging technologies to drive significant process value.With over 25 years of leadership experience, he has successfully led programs focused on Process Excellence, Source-to-Pay, and Intelligent Automation across industries including Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), and Industrial sectors.Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, Pedro closely follows technology trends to help companies find the best approach to assess, evolve their digital landscape and enhance their teams Digital Literacy.He is based in the Greater Zurich area, Switzerland with his family, enjoying the collaboration with companies and peers worldwide.

In this episode of The Only Constant, Lasse Rindom interviews Pascal Bornet, an expert in artificial intelligence and automation, to discuss the human side of AI in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Pascal's new book, Irreplaceable, explores how humans can thrive alongside AI, and much of this conversation reflects its key themes. Highlights from their conversation include: How humans can stay human in the face of AI’s rapid growth by focusing on traits like creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. The role of AI in removing repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on more meaningful and creative work. The concept of "AI obesity," where over-reliance on AI without human oversight can lead to poor decisions and a loss of personal touch. The importance of addressing the biases in AI models, which are often inherited from human data, and how to mitigate these issues. Pascal’s three key competencies—being AI-ready, change-ready, and human-ready—that are critical for success in an ever-evolving technological world. Do you want to know more about Pascal Bornet? Pascal Bornet is an award-winning expert, author, and keynote speaker on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation. He has received multiple awards and is regularly ranked as one of the top 10 global AI and Automation experts. He is also an influencer with more than two million followers on social media. Bornet developed his expertise over more than 20 years as a senior executive at McKinsey and EY, where he created and led their "Intelligent Automation" practices and implemented AI and Automation initiatives for hundreds of organizations around the world. For the past 20 years, Bornet's research has focused on the intersection of AI and Humans, where he believes the greatest value lies. He is a fervent advocate for human-centric AI, and he believes that with the right approach, AI can make our world more human. He has authored two best-selling books, "INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION" and "IRREPLACEABLE," and his insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, McKinsey Quarterly, and The Times. He is also a lecturer at several universities, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Senior Advisor for several startups and charities.